Q: Car won't move out of Park
My car will not move out of Park. Is seems like the shifting mechanism is broken.
Recommended Services
| Car does not shift from park to drive Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
The shift interlock system on your Escape prevents the shifter from being moved out of Park, unless the ignition switch is on, and the brake pedal is depressed. The brake pedal position is detected by the brake switch, which is the most common point of failure. There is a manual override button that will bypass the interlock, in the case of a system failure. Instructions on manual override can be found on pages 165-167 of your owner’s manual. However, I suggest you have a professional mechanic inspect the cause of your shifter sticking in Park, and suggest a permanent repair. The team at YourMechanic is an excellent option.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
How do I view the fuel economy feature?
The fuel economy feature displays the approximate fuel economy that your vehicle is getting at the present moment, as well as the average fuel consumption since the last reset. To access the fuel economy, press the Trip Computer switch until...
Loud engine noise
If you are hearing a rattling noise on start up and for a couple of minutes that then goes away, then the variable valve timing actuators are at fault. The manufacturer is working on a replacement now, and will issue...
transmission
It sounds like you are having a problem with your transmission's shifting mechanisms. Have the shift linkage checked to see if the cable bushings are worn out. A mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, can give your car's transmission an inspection...
My car A/C won't shut off, even when the car is off !
You may have shorted out the A/C blower resistor that controls the blower speeds. This component is supplied power all the time and only the switch controls the motor speed. If the resistor terminals where the resistors are touched together...
Transmission
Hello. From what you are describing it seems as though the transmission fluid has leaked out. There is a rubber hose that conveys transmission fluid to the radiator for cooling (through a sealed heat exchanger). That hose could have leaked....
My car has no spark - 1992 Audi 100
First thing to check is what diagnostic codes the engine management system contains. Yes, even pre-OBD-II cars can have on-board diagnostics. In the fuse box, there are a pair of 2-pin connectors: one white and one black. With the ignition...
My coolant reservoir is empty and coolant is splattered over my engine
Driving a car with "zero" coolant will destroy the engine within minutes. Even after a coolant leak, though, you have some coolant in the engine and water can sometimes be added to enable one to drive a "short" distance as...
Tire rotation and oil change
Hi There, Depending on the type of tires (with rotation marks vs without rotation marks), the tires will be rotated (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/rotate-tires) in accordance with manufacturers specifications. Our mechanics are able to do this with the use of a jack and...
Car shakes violently when idle.
Shaking or vibration (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-shaking-pulsating-or-vibrating-inspection) may be caused by many different things such as faulty spark plugs, poor fuel pressure or misfires. Other things such as a faulty idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) may cause the engine idle to drop below...
Related articles
How Car Keypad Locks Work
Pioneered Pioneered by Ford, keypads let you lock, unlock without keys Pioneered by Ford, keypad door systems began appearing on high-end car and SUV products in the early 1980s. Ford took advantage of the then-new digital computer revolution – the...
2012 Ford Edge vs. 2012 Honda Accord: Which One Should I Buy?
Comparing a small SUV or a crossover to a sedan or coupe doesn’t quite seem fair: while the crossover is likely to cost more, it will also have a different skill set than the car as well as a completely...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Carpenter
If If you're a carpenter, and working for someone else, the best used car is whatever you like that gets you to work on time and holds your tools – in short, practically any used car will do. If you...
Browse other content
Cities
Estimates